The 50 Best Private Special Needs Schools in the United States
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16. Chelsea School, Hyattsville, MD
Students come to the Chelsea School with language-based learning disabilities, struggles with math facts and problem-solving concepts, and difficulties with personal and academic organization which prevent them from completely succeeding in traditional classroom settings. Of particular note is the Chelsea School’s dedication to reading and writing as skills which span all subjects; every teacher, regardless of whether he or she is teaching English, math, history, or any course, emphasizes the importance of language and instructs in student development of those abilities. In addition to an individualized, structured curriculum, each student benefits from daily meetings with a faculty advisor and receives formal guidance in study techniques and academic discipline.
Profile: co-ed day school for middle and high school students
Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Tuition: $36,965/year
17. Noble Academy, Greensboro, NC
The education at Noble Academy is as diverse as its students. While many students attend the school for the duration of their primary and high school education, some stay only for a year or two as they catch up on weak areas and gain the skills they need to transition to a mainstream school or college. Typically, students contact Noble Academy when they struggle with math or writing disabilities, central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), or memory problems. The school assigns an advisor to each student and ensures that she/he is appropriately accommodated and has access to direct instruction and assistive technology in a sequential, organized setting. Students have the opportunity to participate in art programs, sports, foreign language courses, and independent studies. Uniquely, the school offers an “8th period,” which is time that is set aside each day for students to discuss their educational experiences, plan activities such as community volunteering and Student Senate, and develop teamwork, personal advocacy, and problem solving skills.
Profile: co-ed day school for grades 1-12
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $17,840/year (grades K-9); $18,620/year (grades 10-12)
18. Fortune Academy, Indianapolis, IN
This comprehensive school for individuals with language learning differences and executive functioning is dedicated to understanding its student’s needs and providing an environment in which every person may express her/his strengths and weaknesses, knowing that she/he will be unconditionally supported. Fortune Academy’s Outreach program provides training so that teachers and parents may best understand and assist a child with special needs, as well as after-school therapy for those students not enrolled in a school program. Whether a student completes a full education at Fortune Academy, or attends for only a year or two, she/he is evaluated, encouraged, and motivated to meet her/his full potential. The school’s accredited Orton-Gillingham instruction program ensures that each student gains a command of phonetics and writing, and its technology, arts, and athletic programs complement the challenging curriculum. Students transition from Fortune Academy as competent, independent, self-assured learners who are ready for their next academic phase.
Profile: co-ed day school for grades 1-12
Student-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Tuition: $14,150/year (grades 1-8); $15,650 (grades 9-12)
19. Denver Academy, Denver, CO
Upon admission to Denver Academy, each student is given a complete diagnostic analysis so that a custom learning plan may be put into place. Students with dyslexia, learning difficulties, and unique learning styles benefit from a full curriculum designed to address each student’s needs based on strengths and gaps, rather than by chronological age. Small classroom groups, led by a trained teacher and teaching assistant, ensure that each student is taught according to the best way he/she learns. Each grade is taught based on scope and sequence; overall educational learning goals are defined, and then a student transitions through the program based on the successful completion of individual goals, as opposed to aligning with general grade requirements. Denver Academy not only ensures that its students are academically and socially prepared for college, but it also provides for students who have graduated high school and need extra assistance transitioning to higher education with its College Achievement Program (CAP). CAP assists students with the college application process by creating mock-admissions scenarios, and all upper-level students meet weekly with a personal advisor who helps to plan and prepare students for their next educational steps.
Profile: co-ed day school for grades 1-12
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Awards: named a Top Private Elementary School by 5280 The Denver Magazine (2010)
Tuition: $21,450/year
20. The Howard School, Atlanta, GA
At The Howard School, students with language-based learning needs and other learning differences encounter a positive, supportive environment that combines academic improvement with personal growth. For students aged 5-14, classes are grouped according to age and academic and social needs, and rather than receiving letter grades, each child is evaluated according to individual progress, which is detailed in a thorough report by the teacher. In order to adequately prepare for college and other educational transitions, when students reach the high school level, they attend more traditionally outlined grade levels and receive letter grades. The Howard School’s comprehensive newsletter, Howard Highlights, reports on classroom activities and student accomplishments, and gives the school’s community a synthesized account of the school’s achievements and events.
Profile: co-ed day school for ages 5-14, and grades 9-12
Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Tuition: $27,925 up to $29,295 based on increasing age and grade level
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